LEADING ferry company Stena Line has lent its support to the international cycling race, An Post Rás na mBan – Ireland’s premiere stage race for women.

Stena Line, which operates routes from Belfast to Cairnrayn and Liverpool, is delighted to be continuing its support of the five-day, six stage event which runs from September 11 – 15 in Co Clare.

Diane Poole OBE, Stena Line’s Head of PR and Communications explains: “This event is a wonderful sporting occasion but it’s also a chance for visiting competitors to enjoy the beauty of our country and our world-famous hospitality.

“We hope to welcome many competitors, and their supporters, onboard our ships where they will enjoy first class facilities and, crucially, our no baggage restrictions allowing riders to transport their bikes safely, cost effectively and totally hassle-free across the Irish Sea,” said Diane.

The race will be contested by teams from the USA, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France, and the UK as well as all the top riders from Ireland and competitors from the burgeoning local racing scene.

Commenting on Stena Line’s support of the Stage Winner’s Jersey, Ras na mBan Race Director, Valerie Considine, said: “The event has switched to a new base in Ennis, County Clare this year and looks set to be the biggest yet.

“Stena Line has supported this event since I got involved eight years ago and I’m thrilled that they will be helping us to further develop it,” says Considine. “Many of our competitors travel to Ireland across the Irish Sea using Stena Line’s ferry services and there’s set to be even more traffic this year as the event continues to grow in popularity.”

The winner of each day’s individual stage will wear the distinctive Stena Line Stage Winner’s jersey, highlighting their achievement on the road as they continue on to the next stage of the cycle race.

Diane Poole continued: “On behalf of Stena Line, I would like to wish all of the riders the best of luck and we look forward to welcoming them aboard our ships very soon.”